Land use and land cover changes are important processes that influence the ecological integrity of
wildlife dispersal areas and the dynamics of human-wildlife conflicts in rangelands around protected
areas. This study investigated trends in both land use and land cover changes in Taveta District.
Remote Sensing imageries for Taveta District were analysed for the years 1987, 2001, and 2011.
Percentage changes in land use and land cover types for the years 1987 to 2001, 2001 to 2011 and 1987
to 2011 were determined. Between 1987 and 2011, significant (p < 0.05) changes occurred in woodlands,
sisal plantations, rainfed and irrigated agricultural areas. Shrublands, forests and water bodies showed
no significant changes. Wildlife habitats are expected to further decrease significantly due to agricultural
expansion. Land use and cover changes resulted from agricultural expansion and human population
growth. The land use and cover maps produced can be used as input to decision making that balances
restrictions on human land use while maintaining the ecological function of the landscape, through
designation of Zones of Interaction as a first step to identifying opportunities that satisfy conservation
and livelihood needs. Proper land use planning and community awareness of the implications of these
land use and land cover changes are necessary.